Whining
Contrary to popular belief, a whining dog doesn’t usually mean that your pet is in any pain. Pain-related sounds may be more of a whimper or a yelp. Instead, if your dog whines, it’s more likely they want something. Generally, your dog will whine when they need to go outside, want a treat, want to go for a walk, or simply attract your attention.
However, if your dog is more senior and they start to whine more, this could be indicative of age-related ailments such as disorientation or anxiety. Any concerns you have about your dogs whining habits should be directed to a qualified vet immediately.
Sighing
Sighing or groaning sounds are some of the more subtle noises that dogs make. Usually dogs will sigh or groan from contentment or tiredness, similar to how humans relax; however, this can also be a sign of irritation brought on by not getting what they want.
A common scenario may be that your dog is hungry but has already consumed their daily caloric need. As such, they could sigh at you as a way of expressing frustration.
Howling
Just like wolves, howling is your pooch’s way of communicating with their peers. This means you, so always pay attention to these types of dog noises, as they could mean something important.
Some dogs never howl, while others – for example, the Siberian Husky – are very vocal. Regardless of breed though, excessive howling can sometimes indicate a bigger problem, such as separation anxiety or an injury that needs treatment.
If you’re concerned about how much your dog is howling, get advice from a vet as quickly as possible.
When it comes to dog noises, you should at least have a good idea of what your canine companion is vocalising. Remember, if you start to notice them crying or whimpering much more than usual, it could be time to make an appointment with the vet.